Niida wins over Chana, wrests WBA minimumweight crown

Niida wins over Chana, wrests WBA minimumweight crown

YOKOHAMA, Japan - Japan's Yutaka Niida holds the World Boxing Association minimumweight champion's belt Aug. 25 at Pacifico Yokohama after beating Thai champion Chana Porpaion with a unanimous decision. The ninth-ranked challenger scored with his left hook during a 12-rounder to edge the 35-year-old champion. Niida, 22, is unbeaten in 17 fights, winning 14 with seven knockouts and drawing three. Chana slipped to 44-2-2 with 16 knockouts.

Niida captures WBA minimumweight crown

Niida captures WBA minimumweight crown

YOKOHAMA, Japan - Ninth-ranked Japanese challenger Yutaka Niida (R) exchanges blows with Thai champion Chana Porpaion (L) in the ninth round of their World Boxing Association minimumweight title match Aug. 25 at Pacifico Yokohama. Niida, 22, won a surprising unanimous decision after scoring with his left hook during a 12-rounder to edge the 35-year-old champion.

Niida wins over Chana, wrests WBA minimumweight crown

Niida wins over Chana, wrests WBA minimumweight crown

YOKOHAMA, Japan - Japan's Yutaka Niida holds the World Boxing Association minimumweight champion's belt Aug. 25 at Pacifico Yokohama after beating Thai champion Chana Porpaion with a unanimous decision. The ninth-ranked challenger scored with his left hook during a 12-rounder to edge the 35-year-old champion. Niida, 22, is unbeaten in 17 fights, winning 14 with seven knockouts and drawing three. Chana slipped to 44-2-2 with 16 knockouts.

Niida captures WBA minimumweight crown

Niida captures WBA minimumweight crown

YOKOHAMA, Japan - Ninth-ranked Japanese challenger Yutaka Niida (R) exchanges blows with Thai champion Chana Porpaion (L) in the ninth round of their World Boxing Association minimumweight title match Aug. 25 at Pacifico Yokohama. Niida, 22, won a surprising unanimous decision after scoring with his left hook during a 12-rounder to edge the 35-year-old champion.